In the face of grief, these comforting funeral desserts offer a thoughtful way to show your support for those in need. Homemade cookies, pies or cakes are a small but heartfelt gesture.
37 Funeral Desserts to Console Loved Ones
Updated on Apr. 15, 2025
1/37
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created these dairy-free chocolaty peanut bars, and my kids and their friends can’t get enough! —Dawn Pasco, Overland Park, Kansas
This easy-to-prep dessert combines smooth and crunchy peanut butter, semisweet chocolate and crunchy Rice Krispies. The indulgent brownie bars bake in only 25 minutes and are a good choice when you need a dairy-free dessert.
2/37
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe from a minister's wife, and my family loves it. —Brenda Jackson, Garden City, Kansas
Have you ever dug into a peanut butter jar for a dollop of comfort on a stressful day? This sheet cake captures that sentiment with its rich, nutty flavor and gooey marshmallow glaze. Plus, it bakes quickly in about 20 minutes and makes 24 servings, making it a good option for feeding a crowd.
3/37
Chocolate-Hazelnut Magic Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This hazelnut bar recipe puts a Nutella spin on the classic magic bar! Drizzle melted Nutella spread on top for extra flair. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
These chocolate-hazelnut magic bars are a sweet offering that brings comfort during tough times. Layers of chocolate wafer crumbs, shredded coconut, chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts are bound together with condensed milk, creating a dessert that’s as soothing as it is indulgent. Drizzle some warm Nutella on top for a rich, chocolaty finish.
4/37
Giant Molasses Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
An absolute favorite among our readers, these giant molasses cookies are chewy and moist. The ground ginger, cinnamon and spices add warmth to these cookies, making them a comforting dessert to share with loved ones.
5/37
Million-Dollar Pound Cake
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve always included pound cake on our family menus. Through the years I’ve tried many recipes, and I can honestly say this million-dollar pound cake is the best! It has a very fine, rich texture that makes it unusually smooth. That texture, plus fantastic flavor, makes this pound cake a special treat each time we serve it. —George Dunn, Jasper, Texas
Made with all the basics—butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and flour—our version of a classic pound cake can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Its delicate vanilla flavor has a gentle sweetness that feels calming.
6/37
Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always searching for fast and easy recipes to take to the teachers lounge. The staff goes nuts for these shortcut pecan pie bars. —Kathro Yoder, Defiance, Ohio
These easy pecan pie bars offer the perfect balance of sweet filling, crunchy pecan topping and soft, buttery crust, providing comfort in every bite. The rich flavor and quick preparation make them an easy funeral dessert for sharing.
7/37
Chocolate Mint Creams
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from an old family friend and is always high on everyone’s cookie request list. I make at least six batches a year and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri
These chocolate mint cream cookies blend refreshing mint with comforting chocolate. They’re a great option for feeding a big group when time is of the essence: The recipe makes about six dozen cookies, and each batch bakes in only 10 minutes.
8/37
Mixed Nut Bars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One pan of these bars goes a long way. They get a nice flavor from butterscotch chips. —Bobbi Brown, Waupaca, Wisconsin
One of the quickest-to-bake dessert bar recipes on our list, these mixed-nut bars offer a sweet butterscotch flavor with a satisfying crunch in each bite. The buttery, crumbly base is a nice contrast to the nutty topping.
9/37
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
Cocoa, coffee and vanilla combine in this moist chocolate cake to create a rich yet balanced taste that won’t overpower your taste buds. This timeless chocolate cake is finished with vanilla frosting, but you could also use cream cheese or buttercream frosting to change things up.
10/37
Caramel Apple Tartlets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Good-for-you things come in small packages when you make a batch of these tiny apple tartlets. Sweet and cinnamony, these mouthwatering tarts are a delightful addition to a dessert table or snack tray. —Mary Kelley, Minneapolis, Minnesota
These caramel apple tartlets are full of nostalgic childhood flavors, so they’re the perfect funeral dessert to celebrate a life well-lived. Like apple pie, they have a cinnamon-kissed, golden brown crust and caramelized apple filling. However, their mini, bite-sized form makes these tartlets a delicious option for a crowd.
11/37
Cashew Baklava
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always wanted to make Baklava, but it seemed like so much work. The son of my neighbor’s friend showed us both how to make it…it’s really quite easy and so delicious. I like to mix up the nuts in the filling and use walnut, cashews or pecans.—Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario
This syrup-soaked cashew baklava offers a sweet, spiced mixture of rich nuts layered between buttery phyllo sheets. We like to cut it into 24 pieces to create an easy-to-share dessert for potlucks or gatherings.
12/37
Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
This classic pineapple upside-down cake is a simple, traditional cake that bakes fluffy and moist. It’s full of nostalgic flavors, especially if your family served it at gatherings when you were growing up. If pineapple isn’t right for the occasion, you can make an upside-down cake using any fruit.
13/37
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my family is planning a get-together, I can count on three or four people to ask if I'm bringing this dessert. If you don't have a chocolate cake mix, use a white or yellow one and stir in 3 tablespoons baking cocoa. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
This rich peanut butter and chocolate poke cake is a luxuriously decadent dessert. Of course, if you want to make the cake lighter, you can cut the glaze ingredients in half.
14/37
Gooey Butter Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me a quick version of this gooey butter cake recipe using a cake mix, but I prefer baking from scratch, so I came up with my own. My family can’t get enough! The middle will sink a little; this is normal. This dessert is delicious served warm or cold. —Cheri Foster, Vail, Arizona
For those unfamiliar with this Missouri classic, it’s an innovative mash-up between a lemon bar and a blondie. Baked until the edges are golden brown, it features a buttery base topped with a layer of silky smooth cream cheese. The treat is more of a dessert bar than a cake because it can be cut into individual portions for easy serving.
15/37
Zucchini Walnut Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What gardener doesn’t have extra zucchini? When it is abundant, I shred and freeze plenty so I have it on hand to bake this moist zucchini cake with walnuts all year long. The cream cheese frosting is yummy, and the big panful always goes fast at a picnic or potluck. —Marie Hoyer, Hodgenville, Kentucky
Moist and tender, this zucchini walnut cake features a hint of cinnamon and a smooth, creamy frosting. The cake can be made gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free flour blend.
16/37
Old-Fashioned Molasses Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-time spice cake is lower in fat but big on flavor. Serve it warm for breakfast on a frosty morning or have a square with hot cider on a snowy afternoon. It’s a great cold-weather treat. —Deanne Bagley, Bath, New York
Molasses-based recipes feel comforting to me, and this cake is no exception. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this cake imitates a warm, cozy hug in each bite. Hints of ginger and cinnamon add spiced notes that balance out the sweetness.
17/37
Citrus Mini Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist, bite-sized muffins are melt-in-your-mouth good. With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table. The recipe makes a big batch, so there’s plenty to please a crowd. —Linda Terrell of Palatka, Florida
Turn a box of packaged yellow cake mix into citrus mini cakes with the help of miniature muffin tins. They bake in as little as 10 minutes and gain a bright finish when drizzled with a tangy three-ingredient glaze.
18/37
Croissant Bread Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my mother's best recipes! I'm sure your family will be delighted with it too. Serve it as a dessert or a very special breakfast treat. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska
This recipe calls for buttery croissants instead of the usual stale bread, amplifying the flavor of this bread pudding. Layers of raisins and apple butter are nestled between croissants soaked in egg custard, all topped with a sweet streusel for the perfect crisp finish.
19/37
Pistachio Bundt Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pistachio pudding mix gives this moist cake a pretty tint of green. As it bakes, the outside browns nicely to form a slightly crunchy crust. The cake slices beautifully and would make a fun dessert for St. Patrick's Day.
-Becky Gant, South Bend, Indiana
They say we eat with our eyes first, and that’s certainly true when it comes to pistachio Bundt cake. Its vibrant green hue and iced glaze are absolutely stunning. For an enhanced texture, sprinkle some extra pistachios on top.
20/37
Raspberry Almond Strips
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Get ready to pour yourself a cup of tea, because you won’t be able to resist sampling one of these cookies. Almonds add taste and texture to the simple strips that are dressed up with raspberry pie filling. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
These gorgeous cookie strips are made with cookie dough, flour, raspberry filling, almonds and a lot of love. Each batch makes 32 cookies, which is more than enough for most occasions. However, if you’re hosting a larger group, simply double (or triple!) the recipe and bake the cookies in multiple batches.
21/37
Peanut Butter Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When she got married, my mother insisted my grandmother write down one recipe for her. Grandma was a traditional pioneer-type cook who used a little of this or that until it felt right. This treasured recipe is the only one she ever wrote down! —Janet Hall, Clinton, Wisconsin
Anything made with peanut butter has the potential to be a comfort food. Baked to golden perfection in just 10 minutes, these cookies offer nostalgic warmth in a homemade package. They can be kept on the counter for up to a week in an airtight container, making them a thoughtful funeral dessert to share.
22/37
Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Give traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
A Taste Recipes Test Kitchen original, this lemon dessert offers a thoughtful mix of brightness (from the lemon), nuttiness (from the toasted almonds) and sweetness (from the coconut). The result is a zesty dessert that’s as comforting as it is uplifting.
23/37
Neapolitan Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy Neapolitan cake recipe from a friend. It’s a pretty cake for birthday parties. I like to add some strawberry extract to the pink portion of the batter. —Marianne Waldman, Brimfield, Illinois
This beautiful Neapolitan cake is something of an American twist on a classic Italian dessert. Our version dyes yellow cake mix with red food coloring, chocolate syrup and cocoa, creating a three-layered, visually appealing treat to share with loved ones.
24/37
Chewy Salted Peanut Bars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My rich bars are studded with the all-American peanut. I like to think famed peanut farmer Jimmy Carter would approve. —Ann Marie Heinz, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
These bars feature a crust made with flour, brown sugar and a sweet butterscotch drizzle. They’re sweet, salty and crunchy—a perfect combination for a quick dessert.
25/37
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I baked these moist, fudgy cookies for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
These cookies bake in only 10 minutes, but you’ll want to plan ahead as the dough needs to chill in the fridge for two hours. Once ready, the semisweet chocolate chips meld beautifully, offering a reason to smile with each bite. If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
26/37
Madeira Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic British Madeira cake is often served with Madeira wine, which is how it got its name. Similar to a pound cake, it is commonly flavored with lemon and can also be served with tea or other sweet liqueurs. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
This Madeira cake is a satisfying dessert with a dense texture but a light, fresh burst of flavor. The simple combination of butter, sugar and flour creates a subtly sweet treat similar to pound cake. The addition of lemon zest gives it an uplifting, lemony finish.
27/37
Chocolate Malted Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I’ve ever tasted…and with six kids, I’ve made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
A blend of rich chocolate and malted milk powder gives these quick-baking cookies their iconic flavor. The recipe calls for semisweet chocolate chunks and milk chocolate chips, resulting in sweet cookies with a subtle hint of bitterness.
28/37
Pecan Kringle Sticks
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 kringles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves that the kringle is flaky and not too sweet—it just melts in your mouth. This makes a beautiful presentation on a cookie platter along with other holiday sweets. —Connie Vjestica, Brookfield, Illinois
This dessert features buttery pastry and a sweet, nutty filling, offering layers of texture and flavor. It’s finished with a light glaze of confectioners’ sugar and milk.
29/37
Chocolate Oat Squares
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When you bring these treats to a gathering, guests will be tempted to start at the dessert table. Chock-full of chocolate and walnuts, they will satisfy any sweet tooth. I often make a second batch just for my family.
-Jennifer Eilts, Central City, Nebraska
-Jennifer Eilts, Central City, Nebraska
Chocolate oatmeal bars can be frozen for up to three months, so I like to stash a batch in the freezer for an easy dessert. Simply pop out a few and let them thaw on the counter for a few hours.
30/37
Easy Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, I found this old-fashioned easy apple cake that is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it's quick to fix, and when it's served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, it's one of my family’s very favorites. —Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio
This easy apple recipe creates a moist and tender cake with a warm and cozy feel. The walnuts deliver a satisfying nuttiness, while the cinnamon adds flavor to this fruity dessert. Although each batch yields 20 servings, you can easily make a second to share a hearty supply of homemade treats with your loved ones.
31/37
Tuscan Sun Orange Cranberry Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came to be through much trial and error. Growing up, my family used farina flour in desserts, and I thought it would lend a nice texture to this cake. It’s an old-world Italian-style cake, delicious but not too sweet. The orange-cranberry combination is perfect! —Ninette Holbrook, Orlando, Florida
Simple yet special, this orange cranberry cake has a bright, citrusy flavor, a tender texture and a touch of sweetness. An orange glaze adds a shiny finish to this delectable dessert.
32/37
Banana Brownies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe comes from my Grandma Schlientz. Any time there are ripe bananas around our house, it’s banana brownie time! People are always surprised to learn bananas are the secret ingredient. —Christine Mol, Grand Rapids, Michigan
These brownies offer a banana-infused sweetness and a pleasantly nutty texture. They’re somewhat reminiscent of chocolate-flavored banana bread, but in brownie form.
33/37
Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the best peach dump cake recipes in the world. It's sweet, tender cake with a beautifully crisp cobbler topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, and dessert's golden. —Keri Sparks, Little Elm, Texas
This easy cake can be prepped in just 10 minutes using pantry staples like yellow cake mix and canned peaches. If you plan on using fresh peaches, we recommend tossing them with homemade simple syrup to enhance their natural sweetness.
34/37
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these banana bars with cream cheese frosting whenever I have ripe bananas on hand, then store them in the freezer to share later. With creamy frosting and big banana flavor, this treat is a real crowd-pleaser. —Debbie Knight, Marion, Iowa
This recipe makes a frosted dessert that reveals its delectably bold banana flavors with each bite. Made with ripe bananas, sour cream and butter and finished with a cream cheese frosting, these bars also feature hints of vanilla throughout—making them beyond yummy!
35/37
Lemon Raspberry Buckle
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've given a fresh summery twist to the classic blueberry buckle everyone loves by replacing the blueberries for raspberries (my favorite) and adding sweet and tart lemon curd. This berry buckle cake recipe tastes great with vanilla ice cream! —Jenna Fleming, Lowville, New York
Similar to a classic blueberry buckle but with a raspberry twist, this recipe makes 15 servings—enough bites for a medium-sized group. The dessert’s citrusy notes taste fresh without overpowering your taste buds.
36/37
Lemony Coconut Macaroons
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chewy gems have refreshing lemon flavor. They freeze well and thaw easily in the fridge, so you can cure a craving anytime. —Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
These bite-sized lemony coconut macaroons bake in just 15 minutes. They also freeze well and thaw quickly, making them a great dessert to make ahead and store for later.
37/37
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
15 servings (3 cups lemon topping)
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet-tart cake recipe is so much fun to make with my grandkids. They love just "dumping it all in" and watching it magically become a pretty, delicious dessert. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
This dump cake combines three layers of pure comfort: a light lemon cake base, cinnamon-spiced blueberries and a rich, creamy lemony topping. Super easy to put (or rather dump!) together, this cake is ready to bake in 10 minutes but tastes like a dessert that took hours to perfect.
Funeral Desserts FAQ
Do you have dessert at a funeral?
It is common to serve sweet treats at a funeral service. Large-batch cookie recipes are always a good idea, as are cakes, pies and no-bake dessert bars. Although some cultures may not serve desserts at such gatherings, funeral desserts are generally seen as a gesture of support and love for those grieving. It’s always best to check with the funeral’s organizers to see if it is OK to bring a batch of desserts.
What is a funeral cake?
Funeral cakes are an age-old tradition dating back several centuries. The idea is to bake a dessert with simple ingredients to offer comfort to those grieving. Sheet cake recipes like Texas funeral cake are some of the most popular modern versions.
What kind of cake is appropriate for a funeral?
Generally speaking, cake recipes made with simple ingredients are best for a funeral. However, the saying “it’s the thought that counts” rings true in this situation. Baking anything counts as a simple yet meaningful gesture to comfort loved ones during a time of loss. Feel free to keep it easy with cake mix recipes, or choose recipes that yield balanced flavors, like a molasses cake or an easy fruit cake.
